Flushing

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Types
  • Neurogenic “wet flushing” - sympathetic cholinergic neurons stimulate sweat glands
    • Flushing due to "hot flashes"
  • "Dry flushing" - direct vasodilation from vasoactive chemicals, no perspiration
    • Flush due to histamine, kinins, prostaglandins, nicotinic acid, amyl nitrite
    • Most cases of idiopathic flushing are dry


Common causes of drug-induced flushing
  • Niacin
  • Nicotine
  • ACE inhibitors,
  • Corticosteroids
  • Catecholamines